Hooker is such a bad word, how about an Italian mistress.
As for the issue of what is needed to make the Pantera compete with the F and L cars... My question is, do I need to show people what I have under the hood?
Stock the car is thunderously loud and fast. The body style is very sexy (that Italian hooker again). Think of a 71 mustang, on a big diet on steroids.
Here in Florida I seen more of “those (F&L)” cars than I have seen in CT where I came from. Everyone I have driven up next to, I have smiled, and they have returned the smile. I just thump and putt away.
It is best to let them think they can beat you than let the cops take the car.
I can tell you that the people, that have the wear with all / means, can make the cars superfast. My car is almost bone stock and I like it that way, but I just pull along-side someone with a really fast car who looks at me with that look, you know that look, the look that says I know you are fast and beautiful but I can take you… (He / she think’s). That is when I purge the NOS system which sends a cloud of nitrous out the grill over the roof with a nice LED light to let them know he is screwed and don’t even try. It is only when I am by myself when the trouble starts, Oh what I would give for the FHP to close the Turnpike for 100 miles or so. I just don't know what car I would take the 450hp stang or the 700 hp model T maybe the screamin eagle vrod. You see Life is choices make your wisely and If I can help let me know. PS my wife says you can have my car for $120,000 I say I am keepin the car but you have my ex-wife for free. 
BTW Tampa… Welcome to the neighborhood. My car is across state (2 houses don’t ask) but we can get together for a cold one someday or if you ride I have a scoot over here.